Father.io is the first augmented reality, real world, massive multiplayer FPS. Or at least, it hopes to be. Right now, it’s an Indiegogo campaign.
The Map and Beta Test
A demo map for Father.io is currently live through a beta test, and it will teach you how to claim a land area, gather resources, and even block a raid or create a raid. I have downloaded the map and taken a look at how it is set up. So far it seems straightforward. When the game is fully released, you will be able to actually run around wherever you are and play an FPS game against other factions.
What Equipment you Need
This game is made possible by an AR unit that attaches to your smart phone. This unit is how you actually fire at someone. Think of it as a massive laser tag game you play wherever you are. Father.io uses real time geo-location to track all players on the map.
When the full game releases, there will be different weapons you can obtain, as well as drones that you can fly over the battlefield to get reports or even fire at enemies. The unit you attach to your phone is called an interceptor. They seem to be reasonably priced through the Indiegogo campaign. The $18 set is sold out, but for as little as $30 you can get one interceptor and a piece of original Father.io artwork.
Modes & More
The project promises a quick match mode where you can create an indoor or outdoor battle instance or a free-for-all death match. In the massive multiplayer version, the planet will be your playground — one uses over 12,000,000 real world locations using data from OpenStreetMap. As you gather resources, you can use them to purchase weapons, ammo, gadgets or even use it toward infrastructure.
Controlling an area with specific building like schools or pharmacies can give you boosts also. Banks can be used to store resources, making it harder for another faction to steal them. There will also be events like battles that are pre-determined.
As far as beta testing the game goes, the iOS app must be limited to 2,000 beta testers while the Android app is unlimited.
Is this a breakthrough or a pipe dream?
While Father.io looks really well-designed and thought out — and I really cannot wait to play it — I do have some concerns. First and foremost, people already have a problem texting while walking. What is going to happen when someone is running while looking at their opponent on the map or on their phone, and runs in front of a car. Or, how about running around inside a store? I can really foresee a number of issues and wonder how long it will take for police to become involved, laws to be created — and maybe even and outright ban the game.
I am absolutely looking forward to this being released, and I have high hopes for it — in spite of the obstacles it will undoubtedly have to overcome. There are a lot of videos out about this game on YouTube, so go check it out and see what you think.
Feel free to comment here with opinions and let’s have a discussion about this game. Can Father.io really bring something new to the industry, or are we not ready for that? Let me know what you think!
